Poacher & Hound
by Technē Architecture + Interior Design
From The Architect
Poacher & Hound, the latest hospitality undertaking designed by the award winning Technē Architecture + Interior Design studio, is now public in Mount Waverley.
Integrating natural materials, brass and graphic essentials, the design is a physical illustration of a poacher and a hound narrative.
“The space is imagined as the found sanctuary of a harsh terrain traveller, creating refined resources which are of the land,” speaks Technē student architect Brad Mitchell.
“Brass objects scattered throughout the space are found treasured pieces, bridging between the natural elements and the fine graphic elements.”
An important feature of the sophisticated and mature area is the rattan and ply planter/waiters station, combined with a plate steel bar alongside a cement render.
“Rattan is light, durable and flexible material with a proven timelessness,” utters Technē senior associate Steve McKeag.
“It offers a valuable contribution to hospitality ventures in creating texture and interest, and is easily complemented by metal and concrete elements.”
A generous use of other earthy materials including terracotta, brick, and granite gravel enhance texture and colour to the area.
The nearby floor and wall planes have been kept purposely minimal to allow the textured objects space.
Specific efforts have been made to incorporate local makers in the cafe fitout, with hand made tables by Jardan and Melbourne Iron & Steel, and seats by Mark Tuckey and Dowel Jones.
The cafe is the first Technē project to comprise work by Mitchell, who hurled onto the design sector last year after winning the inaugural Mercedes-Benz Design Award by Broadsheet for his refined, freestanding planter design, Noughts And Crosses.
“It is an important part of the Technē ethos to foster emerging architectural talents such as Mitchell, offering valuable and genuine experiences in the industry,” McKeag pronounces.
Poacher & Hound is the newest venture by Melbourne dining entrepreneur John Scalzo who is the titleholder of several university eateries and the Highett cafe, The Little Elephant.
Situated on the ground floor of a commercial structure in an industrial region, the cafe delivers a valuable point of distinction to Mount Waverley’s cafe scene.